My absolute favorite horror/mysteries

Apr 2, 2011

by Ianmat

Anyone who has read a few my reviews have noticed I'm a huge horror fan. Most of the one's I've seen have been pretty terrible or just plain campy such as most of the slashers in the mid eighties...or anything by asylum films. That being said, for every say twenty bad horror films there is at least one great one. Now if I made a list of the actual good horror films it would be quite lengthy and mediocre so I tried to trim the fat down to the gems in my opinions. I welcome debates about some of them as they are controversial to say they're good or not. Also just FYI I'll try to include a list of what I believe to be the worst in the near future

The movie that got me hooked on David Fincher. Everything about this movie was flawless as a gritty horror/mystery. A cast lead by three of the biggest names in hollywood in a situation that simply tore them apart. It was suspenceful, scary, and incredibly thought provoking; not to mention very, very dark. John Doe will probably go down as one of the best villians in history because of the simple reason that his plan actually was accomplished which is something few people actually expected.

All you need is the theme song to give that spiders in your veins feeling. Micheal Myers is probably the best of the classic serial killers and despite the numerous horrible sequels and the god awful remake; he still has the power to scare many people. It's beauty was in it's simplicity as it was just the story of a serial killer stalking a young babysitter and yet it's all it needed. The constant feeling of paranoa drove this movie the entire time and Micheal didn't need most of the elements that made other killers memorable; all he needed was his menacing presence and that kitchen knife. So thank you John Carpenter and remember, you can't kill the boogeyman

Keep in mind only the first one...and maybe 2 and 4. It helped change the horror genre showing a killer in a different light who allowed his victims to live but only if they were worthy for life. I'll admit I saw this movie much later than when it first came out as it was very graphic and I was only 13 at the time; so unfortunately most of the twists were spoiled for me. So during my first viewing I thought I was completely prepared; still I was completely blown away. Between the mystery and the killings, everything put me on edge which is something I rarely say.

One of the first asian horror films I've seen and to date one of the scariest. It was a basic venegeful spirit story but in a whole different light with the idea of essentially possessed photos. One of the best aspects of the film was the general atmosphere allowing viewers to really feel the nervousness of the characters. There were very few times when the ghost actually shows up yet every time it was fairly chilling, albiet a little campy due to the make up. The number of twists are really one of the best parts of this film as every time it feels like the mystery is about to be solved there's another twist leading up to one of the most chilling endings I've seen. A quick note, if you are interested in seeing the film, please seek out the original Korean version, not the god awful American remake.

I think this is where I may loose a few people, it's one of those movies where you either love it or hate it. I loved it quite a bit and it really scared me to the point where I couldn't sleep unless my door was completely open. Done on a budget of little over a few thousand dollars, it did alot with how little was shown. Albiet a boring opening and anti climatic ending, the haunting itself is terrifying and most of the time unpredictable. Now I haven't seen the sequel just yet but it seems to follow the same formula, which could be hit or miss.

Yet another great film almost ruined by it's sequels. While Aliens, Alien 3 and ugh Resurrection focused much more on the action aspect the series began as a clastrophobic horror masterpiece. The entire movie takes place in a cramped space ship as a group of scientists "discover" a new alien race. At first beginning as what seems like another science fiction film, when the alien bursts into picture, and yes all pun intended, everything goes to sh*t. From cramped hallways to only gimpses of the alien this film take the feeling of paranoa to a whole new level.

I wouldn't be surprised if many people haven't heard about this film but this was actual one of the best modern cat and mouse thriller. Now there are alot of things that just make this movie another slasher but what sets it apart from others is the intelligence of the characters. now I'm not sure about you but when i watch horror films I constantly talk about what the protaganist or supporting cast should have done; in this case it's as if the movie listened. Both The Collector and the protaganist Arken seemed to be at intellectual odds with each other as they chased each other down which made the chase much more interesting. While it's not the most intelligent and at some times doesn't stand out, it's unique in it's own way and even at some points suspenseful.

Ah another John Carpenter popped up on this list, and why not? It was one of his best before he went a little insane. Uncomprimisingly scary and always a bit of a mystery on who is one of the aliens or not always makes for an fun story. Not to mention...it's Kurt Russell from the 80's, enough said.

The best parody of horror films I have ever seen. Wes Craven did a phenomenal job making this satire of modern horror films, which in itself was a horror film. The right amount of creepy, creative, funny and inteligent; this will easily go down as one of my favorites of all time. Not to mention the ending which easily went down as one of my top WTF moments in cinema.

I have to admit that I'm not much of a "horror" buff. Largely, I think that genre tends to blend together too often, and the films get harder and harder to distinguish the more of them you've seen. I did enjoy PARANORMAL ACTIVITY, though. I also enjoyed that one similar, THE FOURTH KIND, though I wouldn't say it's a favorite. The last horror film that genuinely made me squirm was the first JEEPERS CREEPERS. Loved that flick.

Great list, Ian! I loved most of these and my fiance completely agrees with you about Paranormal Activity. But, I liked the second one better- thought it was scarier. I haven't seen #7 or #8 but, I might have to check them out. Thanks for sharing :)

My name is Ian, and interesting would not really be a word to describe me. I'm an aspiring writer with a huge passion for movies and video games, some of which consume much of my time. Sadly that's … more